Noob

[Indycar1]

Initial sightings:

Front has extended shackle with stock springs. No good. The shackles look weak and they hurt your pinion angle. I recommend you either put it back to stock (shackle) or investigate a good lift spring and all that goes with that. Your shocks aren't hooked up. My guess is they are factory length and just can't reach with the longer shackles.

Rear blocks aren't ideal, but not a deal breaker. The good news is that if you choose to go back to stock height, it would appear to be pretty simple. Also noticed your driver's rear bump stop (on frame) looks bent/twisted. It could also be just a photo illusion or the truck isn't level, but you might want to check out the frame around the area for damage. Might just be a bent bumpstop or could be signs of frame damage.

I will say, we've all seen far worse starting points. With a plan and a little work (and actually not much $) you could have the suspension back in good running (stock condition) pretty easily. Same thing if you wanna lift it properly, just add $.

Thank you! I knew the shocks weren't bolted up and figured that was the reason why. I'm also glad that it can go back to stock ride height easily. I was starting to like the lift, but safety is my #1 priority since my two boys will be riding in it. So I'm on the lookout for a set of shackles and Chevy truck rally's!

 

[82355]

Lot of not stock parts there. The headlight bezels are '79-'80. That truck also would have had a 12 bolt rear, Dana 44 front. The ten bolts are from a newer rig. Any idea on what gears are in them?

What are your plans with the truck?

Was it an automatic or a four speed?

Martin

 

[82355]

Also, I'm not sure if it is just the picture or not, but your front right spring looks bad.

Definitely ditch those silly shackles on the front.

Martin

 

[Indycar1]

I knew the front end was off, I actually just picked up a complete grille, trim, headlight bezel set today for 60.00 off Craigslist. I'm noticed that too, I'll have to look at it again. Are the truck 12 bolts as high dollar as the car 12 bolts? As far as gears, I have no idea. My basic goals for this truck is to hav a nice cruiser that will handle snow well. It is setup for an automatic, and will prob keep it that way as I'd like to put a late model 5.3 or 6.0 with the 4l80 trans, but for right now it'll be a small block with turbo 400 trans. I have a buddy that has a car 400 that I was told will bolt up to a transfer case. As far as driveshafts go, is it going to be better to have new ones made, or try and find some in the junk yard and put new joints in and have them cut to fit?

 

[82355]

The truck 12 bolt is no better than a truck 10 bolt.

I would look for a cheap parts truck for drivetrain parts. There are going to be a lot of odds and ends pieces you'll have to have.

I would also recommend a TH700R4/NP208 over a TH400.

Martin

 

[rebelgregory]

I noticed the axles were different also. But like everyone else said, I wouldn't go looking for the stock axles unless you're going for a full-on resto. The 10bollts are just as driveable as the 12 b/d44. I wouldn't switch unless you find out the gears don't match, switch to one-tons, etc.

 

[prolinews]

craigslist will be your friend!

 

[Indycar1]

craigslist will be your friend!

^normally this is true, but it's hard going around here. Don't know why, I guess it's because I'm in the Midwest and they typically that away. The grille I scored today has been on there for awhile though..lol